Chapter 14: Setting the Stage
"Tonight at 8 PM, we'll assemble in the mountains on the left side. We'll launch the attack then," the bearded man said helplessly.
To save his own life, he finally spilled the information. Of course, the main reason was that he truly believed Mingyu was one of Orochimaru's subordinates. Since their target was Konoha, he assumed Orochimaru's people wouldn't leak the plan.
"Is that so? Then, for Lady Mizukage's sake, I'll spare you this once. Remember — this is the first and last time. Anyone who dares to doubt Lord Orochimaru will die without question."
After leaving those words behind, Mingyu turned and walked out of the tavern.
The moment he stepped outside, his heart started pounding wildly.
That was too dangerous. If they had called for reinforcements, he might have died right there.
Still, he had finally gotten some useful intel.
8 PM, left-side mountains!
"That area is close to the Land of Fire's border… Their target really is the Land of Fire."
Mingyu's expression changed. Without wasting another second, he vanished from the spot.
Back at their temporary hideout, he immediately sent a message to his two teammates and put his cat-faced Anbu mask back on.
Before long, Ox and Yugao returned.
"Why did you call us back so urgently?" Ox growled, clearly annoyed. "I was tracking a ninja and nearly got discovered because of you!"
Yugao didn't say anything, but the look in her eyes showed she was also displeased. They both assumed Mingyu had run into trouble and needed their help.
"At 8 PM tonight, the Hidden Mist ninjas will gather in the mountains on the left side and launch an attack. Their target is the Land of Fire," Mingyu said directly.
"Huh?"
Both of them were stunned.
"Kid, what nonsense are you spouting? How could you possibly know that?" Ox said skeptically.
They had only been apart for a short while. How could this brat have obtained such critical information so quickly?
Ox had spent years in the Anbu and was skilled at gathering intel. If even he hadn't found anything, how could this kid?
Yugao also looked doubtful.
"Whether you believe me or not, the information is accurate. I suggest we immediately notify the border guards and prepare defenses," Mingyu said calmly.
He had expected them not to believe him. But it was already past 4 PM — only a few hours remained until 8.
If they didn't act soon, it might be too late once the Mist ninjas attacked.
"Brat, do you know what the punishment is for giving false military intelligence?" Ox snapped.
"I know," Mingyu replied calmly.
"You—!"
"I think what he said is probably true. I agree with notifying the border forces and setting up an ambush," Yugao suddenly spoke up.
Although she didn't know where Mingyu got the information, his tone didn't sound like he was joking.
"Hmph! Yugao, you actually believe him? I think he's just trying to steal credit by making up some random story. If the intel turns out to be wrong, we'll all be finished," Ox snorted.
He refused to trust Mingyu.
How could a mere kid be better at gathering information than him?
"You don't have to go, but have you thought about the consequences of delaying important intelligence?" Mingyu asked.
This guy was clearly targeting him.
"Ridiculous. You think you can order me around?" Ox's tone was full of disdain. For some reason, he just couldn't get along with Mingyu.
"You can choose not to go. You can even leave," Mingyu said, starting to get irritated.
If this were a normal situation, he would have beaten this idiot into the ground already.
Acting all high and mighty for what?
But right now, he could only ignore him. Attacking a teammate in Konoha was a serious crime.
"Hmph! Wasting my time!"
Ox snorted coldly and stormed out.
Yugao shook her head, gave Mingyu one last glance, and followed Ox.
Between the two of them, she chose to side with Ox.
Mingyu could only spread his hands helplessly.
What kind of trash teammates are these?
Looks like I have to rely on myself again.
Half an hour later, Mingyu arrived at the border outpost where the Land of Fire's ninjas were stationed.
"Sir, a person codenamed 'Night' requests to see you."
Inside a military tent, a young man in his twenties reported to a middle-aged ninja wearing standard shinobi attire.
"Night?"
The middle-aged man frowned. He didn't recall knowing anyone with that codename.
"Bring him in."
Soon, Mingyu stood before him.
"You wanted to see me?" the middle-aged man asked, looking puzzled at the small figure.
"Yes. I just obtained urgent intelligence. At 8 PM tonight, ninjas from the Land of Water will launch an attack. I came specifically to deliver this message."
"Land of Water? Are you sure?"
The man sounded doubtful. Among the five great nations, the Land of Water was generally considered the weakest. Would they really dare to attack the Land of Fire?
"Yes. I'm willing to stake my life on it. There isn't much time left — please begin preparations immediately!"
"…"
The middle-aged man thought for a moment. Something about Mingyu's serious demeanor made him inclined to believe him.
"Very well. I'll make the arrangements."
Mingyu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He had been worried this commander would be as stubborn as that idiot Ox.
Before leaving, Mingyu secretly planted a few things in a hidden location near the border.
Now that the defense side was mostly handled, it was time for him to start planning how to infiltrate the Hidden Mist Village and complete that ridiculous system mission of stealing Terumi Mei's underwear.
Time flew by. Night soon fell.
In the mountains just a few miles from the Land of Fire's border, over a hundred black figures gathered silently.
"Sir, everyone has assembled. We can move out at any time!"
"Good. Matsushita, didn't you say you encountered someone from Orochimaru? Where is he?"
"I'm right here."
Mingyu stepped out from the shadows.
"You're Kabuto Yakushi?"
"Correct. Lord Orochimaru sent me to assist you."
"Oh? Since when is Orochimaru so generous?" the black-clothed leader asked suspiciously.
"Do you really think you can guess Lord Orochimaru's intentions? After this operation, there's a major deal he wants to discuss with Lady Mizukage — one that concerns the survival of the entire Land of Water. You can choose not to believe me. I'll leave right now. But if anything happens to the Land of Water because of this, you will go down in history as the greatest sinner of your nation."
"You—!"
The black-clothed man's face twisted with anger, but he didn't dare act recklessly.
The Land of Water already had enough enemies. Provoking a madman like Orochimaru would be extremely unwise.
"Fine. Since that's the case… move out!"